I love reading. I love curling up with a book and losing myself for a few hours. If I don’t read before sleeping, I feel like I don’t sleep at all. There are a few books I read over and over again and they don’t get boring. One of them is The World According to Garp by John Irving. Most of his books are great, although at this point, his writing is getting repetitive. Garp is so good, though, and each read through I find something new, something I had skipped or forgotten. It’s like going home.
As you can see, my copy is old and pretty much on it’s last legs. I keep repairing it with tape and hoping it lasts one more round. You can also tell, from the cover, that this copy, printed in 1978, predates the (brilliant) movie version of the book. John Lithgow is pure genius in it.
I would also heartily recommend Hotel New Hampshire and Cider House Rules, also by John Irving.
ps. I will also recommend not calling my phone with a blocked number. I realize who it is, thanks, your subtlety is wonderful. Please leave me out of your exciting, dramatic life.
I must say that A Prayer for Owen Meany is my favourite. I’ve cried every time I’ve read it.
I got my hat! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I will take a picture of me in it when I am not feeling so bloated.
A Prayer for Owen Meany is my favourite too, maybe in my top five books, but I do love Garp. Have you read Until I Find You? I bought it when it came out in hardcover but have yet to even read a page.
Yeah, Rach, I have read it, it’s ok, but it’s a lot like every other book by J.I. I wish he’d figure out new characters and imagery.
Garp is a permanent resident in my head; It is good that I enjoy his humor. :) I love Garp SO MUCH and yes, throughout my life this book has to be the most read. I have wondered before at how many people really become intimate with a book and just how odd that is, sharing realities based on imagination. Far more personal than a favorite movie.
Word to your Mother.
I have a couple books like this. In fact, my first book like this, that I read the shit out of, was Harriet the Spy. I first read it in grade 3 and I have since read it many, many times.
My other book like this is Handling Sin by Michael Malone. I bought it on a whim, on a book buying frenzy and it took me more than 6 months to pick it up off my shelf and actually read it. And it’s one of the best books ever, ever, ever. I will blog about it one day.
The excerpt of Handling Sin real well, always a good start. For a comfort read going back to childhood, Little Women, for a less comforting but comfortable and life affirming read, The Stand. I havent read anything in a very long time that has stuck. Meh.